Newbie questions

[SeanHolland]

Is this the right place to ask really basic questions about playing SH4? I've just started playing and there is so much I don't know. I've set realism to zero to give me some chance. I'm playing without any mods and using automatic targeting.

Here are my most pressing questions:

1. If you have a long journey ahead, do you just ramp up the time compression all the way until you are a few hours out?
2. If I'm at periscope depth in good weather, can I still be seen by aircraft? If so, should I just go deep if I detect aircraft?
3. How do I detect other vessels? Right now, they seem to show up on my map if I'm on the surface or have my periscope up. Do I have to actively spot them with my periscope, or do I have people for that?
4. If I detect them, does that mean they can detect me?
5. Are there any mods I should consider at this stage, or do I wait until my level of incompetence is lower?

I've watched a few YouTube videos, but they seem to be for people that know what they are doing.

Any help greatly appreciated